City Council, Mayor Frey approve resolution urging federal government to end U.S. embargo against Cuba

The City of Minneapolis joins several other cities across the country in calling on the U.S. government to build a new, cooperative relationship with Cuba and end the embargo and travel restrictions to the country.

The resolution, authored by City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins, Council Members Cam Gordon and Andrew Johnson, notes that ending the embargo would allow Minneapolis businesses to collaborate with Cuban biotechnical and medical research institutions, bringing new economic opportunities to the region.

The U.S. economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba has been in place since 1960. In 2014, former President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations. President Donald Trump, however, has implemented tighter restrictions on travel and trade with Cuba, cut staff at the U.S. Embassy in Havana and expelled Cuban diplomats from Washington, D.C.

“Normalizing relations with Cuba has broad bipartisan support because it’s a common sense move. After more than 50 years of a failed, isolationist policy, the United States should embrace a new policy of economic and social progress,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Freeing cities like Minneapolis and states up to engage in trade with a neighboring country just 90 miles off our shores would provide a boost to our local economy and provide the Cuban people with an opportunity to see the benefits of a free and open democratic society. Doing business with Cuba is good for Minneapolis businesses — and it’s the right thing to do.”

“Cuba has a rich history of artistic and humanitarian diversity, as well as deep connections with culture makers here in Minneapolis,” said City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins. “The world benefits greatly when people from different countries are able to share ideas, resources and economies.”

Published Jun 6, 2018

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